MCAST and the Foundation of Social Welfare standards signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the College’s premises in Paola on the 30^th January 2020.

The purpose of this memorandum is to develop and strengthen their collaborative relationship to develop the improved wellbeing of young persons at high risk of social exclusion aged between 16 and 25. The FSWS’s remit is to provide social welfare services, in particular in relation to alcohol and substance abuse and in relation to other social welfare problems prevalent in the country, especially those related to family welfare; to further and promote social and related studies and scholarship, through research, publications and education; to collaborate with other similar entities, especially, though not exclusively, on a regional and international basis.

The collaboration envisaged through this memorandum is intended to facilitate the assistance and guidance provided to young people within Opportunity Knocks (OK) project, Embark for Life (E4L), Adolescent Day Programme (ADP) and other similar initiatives/services undertaken by FSWS to access MCAST educational and professional programmes, thus ensuring their inclusion and possibility to success in life. MCAST will integrate the referred cohort into courses which it runs on a full time and part time basis while FSWS maintains its commitment to follow-up and ensure full compliance with MCAST procedures and requirements.

MCAST Principal & CEO, Prof James Calleja welcomed this partnership with FSWS and with each and every young person who accesses the College’s study programmes as a result of this agreement. Prof Calleja outlined the strategic direction of the College and the centrality of broadening the local partner network with key stakeholders. He also referred to the continued efforts to reinforce the image and build the esteem of vocational education and training, even by bringing to the forefront the achievements and success stories of its alumni. The College works to make more visible the alternative learning pedagogies that it adopts, the resources and the progression routes which it makes available to all students.

Mr Alfred Grixti, CEO of FSWS, reiterated the need for networking specifically focused upon the myriad of requirements of vulnerable young people to succeed in life. Whilst the provision of education and training is pivotal for such cohort, there are other basic needs and services that are required. Mr Grixti enlisted the various services the Foundation offers to ensure that a holistic approach supports young people at risk of social exclusion to integrate fully. He also confirmed the need that major stakeholders closely collaborate and support each other’s initiatives in line with government policies and direction. This will ensure networking and operational complementarity with higher probability of reaching collective targets.